Military Award Ceremonies

Images of military personnel receiving awards and recognition during various formal ceremonies, showcasing camaraderie and tradition in service.

Col. Michael S. Johnson, 110th Aviation Brigade commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Col. Bryan Whittier, 1st Battalion, 11th Aviation Regiment outgoing commander, at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

An assumption of command ceremony is held at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., June 3, 2022. During the ceremony, Maj. Quinten Tibbetts, incoming 138th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, assumed command over the squadron from Lt. Col. Frank Horton. The assumption of command ceremony has been a part of military tradition since the 18th century.

Airman 1st Class Noah Albright, from the 49th Component Maintenance Squadron, accepts the Volunteer of the Quarter Award during the 49th Wings 1st quarter awards ceremony, June 10, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Quarterly award winners were selected based on their technical expertise, demonstration of leadership and job performance.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, awards an Army Commendation Medal to Staff Sgt. Brian Siwek, a combat engineer assigned to 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., April 19, 2022, during the Combatives Recognition at Fort Carson, Colorado. The Ivy Division won 1st place overall during the Lacerda Cup 2022.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Ling, Commanding General of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, awards U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Christopher Barra, outgoing Commanding General of the 451st Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), with the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe award Jan. 8, 2023, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe recognizes individuals who have served the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps with demonstrated integrity, moral character and professional competence over a sustained period of time.

Members of the Fort Rucker Soldier and Family Legal Services Office stand with Maj. Gen. David J . Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, after receiving the American Bar Association's Legal Assistance Distinguished Service Award during a ceremony at the USAACE headquarters building June 24, 2022.

Master Sgt. Andrew German, 512th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant, center, receives the 512th Airlift Wing 2023 First Sergeant of the Year award from Col. Doug Stouffer, left, and Chief Master Sgt. David Melby on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Feb. 4, 2024. Air Force

Lt. Col. Shaun Cruze, commander 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron presents the Meritorius Service Medal first oak leaf cluster to Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Linton, 152nd Airlift Wing Command Chief during the April 2022 unit training assembly roll call at Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, awards an Army Commendation Medal to Sgt. Joshua Ray, an army biomedical equipment specialist assigned to 84th Hospital Augmentation Detachment, 10th Field Hospital, 627th Hospital Center, April 19, 2022, during the Combatives Recognition at Fort Carson, Colorado. The Lacerda Cup invites 19 teams from across the force to compete for the championship title.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joshua S. McCurry, Aviation Branch Safety Office director, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, receives the Meritorious Service Medal for 20 years of service to Army Aviation, the Army and the nation, during a ceremony at the USAACE headquarters building June 6, 2022.

Col. Michael S. Johnson, 110th Aviation Brigade commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Col. Bryan Whittier, 1st Battalion, 11th Aviation Regiment outgoing commander, at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

U.S Air Force Master Sgt. Blake Pumphrey with the 182nd Security Forces Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a portrait at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, April 2, 2023. Pumphrey was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Service.

U.S. Air Force Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Group commander, and Senior Master Sgt. Heather Celano, 313th Training Squadron senior enlisted leader, presents the 17th TRG Rope of the Month award to Airman 1st Class Tyler McDonough, 312th Training Squadron student, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 10, 2022. Green ropes are responsible for overseeing other students within their squadron.

Col. Whitney Gardner, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence chief of staff, presents Sgt. 1st Class Ian Burress, enlisted aide to the commanding general USAACE and Fort Rucker, with a memento of appreciation at Fort Rucker, Alabama, July 19, 2022.

Col. Brian Moore, left, 51st Maintenance Group commander, presents a Meritorious Service Medal certificate to Maj. Benjamin Abshire, 51st Maintenance Squadron outgoing commander, during 51st MXS change of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 23, 2022. Abshire earned this medal for his outstanding leadership over 380 military personnel, civilians and Korean nationals.

Col. Timothy Deckert was honored during a retirement ceremony, Jan. 7, at the Salem Elks Lodge, in Salem, Ore.

U.S. Army Spc. Damon Swanson, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter repairer, 15T, for 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Mustang, 36th Infantry Division, is joined by his supervisor and battalion command team during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 26, 2022. Swanson, native of Conway, Arkansas, was recognized as Hero of the Week, by Task Force Mustang, for his recent performance reviews as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter repairer, responsible for preparing Army helicopters for in-depth inspections and maintenance checks. Left to Right: U.S. Army Lt. Col. Carisa A. Kimbro, commander of 2-149th GSAB, Swanson, 1st Sgt. Rusty L. Lansford, first sergeant of Alpha Company, 2-149th GSAB, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ron L. Hill, command sergeant major of 2-149th GSAB.

Col. Andy Nuce awards Lt. Col. Stuart Hobbs the Meritorious Service Medal during a U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity

Senior Master Sgt. Dwight N. Watkins, right, network sections chief for the 157th Air Operations Group, stands with Capt. Garth Myers, 157th Air Communications Flight Commander, during his retirement ceremony, June 26, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Watkins has served over 25 years.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- United States Space Force (USSF) Lt. General Stephen Whiting, Commander of Space Operations Command, presents Delta 9 outgoing commander, USSF Colonel Casey Beard with the Legion of Merit medal during the unit's change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado June 21, 2022. During the ceremony, Whiting transferred command of the Delta From Colonel Beard to incoming commander, USSF Colonel Mark Bigley.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Charles Rice, right, 426th Air Base Squadron outgoing commander, receives the Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony at the Jåttå Military Compound in Stavanger, Norway, June 16, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

Airmen from the 628th Air Base Wing receive their quarterly award from Col. Michael A. Freeman and Chief Master Sgt. Rebecca Bateman, 628th ABW commander and command chief, during the third quarter awards ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, Nov. 8, 2022. Leaders recognized recipients for outstanding leadership and performing above and beyond in their primary duties.

Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, command chief master sergeant of the Air National Guard, coins Tech. Sgt. Lisa Scolley on for outstanding performance Sept. 11th, 2022. Scolley is an Airspace Technician for the 157th Combat Operations Squadron at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri.

Master Sgt. Ashley J. Carter, 30th Medical Group first sergeant (center), presents the Diamond Sharp Award to Airman 1st Class Cinthia Cortes (left), 30th Medical Group aerospace medical technician at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., June 14, 2022. The Diamond Sharp Award is given to and recognizes exemplary Airmen and Guardians who go above and beyond in their daily lives. Cortes received the award for her quick action heroic efforts to help save an injured motorcyclists life while exiting Highway 101 in Santa Maria, Calif.

ARDAP Project Manager Col. Rob Wolfe (r.) presents Lt. Col. LJ Freeland (l.) with the charter for Army Data Platform.

Col. Richard Tucker, 1st Aviation Brigade commander, presents Lt. Col. Erica Witty, 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment commander with a Meritorious Service medal at Fort Rucker, Alabama, June 24, 2022.

142nd Security Forces (SFS) Commander, Lt. Col. Ryan Barton is presented with a meritorious service medal by Mission Support Group commander, Col. David Shattls on June 11, 2022 at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. The medal was given in recognition Col. Barton's performance as the SFS commander from August of 2020 to June of 2022.

Airman Kyle Stolz, 168th Maintenance Squadron, 168th Wing received the Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon upon returning home from assisting communities affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok in Nome, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2022. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Col. Mitchell Sieglock, commander of the 96th Aviation Troop Command, presents Chief Warrant Officer 2 Eugene Park, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilot with 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation, with the U.S. Army Aviation's Broken Wing Award in a ceremony held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, June 18, 2022. Park was instrumental in landing their catastrophically damaged Chinook during a mission in Afghanistan in 2020.

U.S. Air Force Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Group commander, and Senior Master Sgt. Heather Celano, 313th Training Squadron senior enlisted leader, presents the 315th Training Squadron Officer Student of the Month award to 2nd Lt. Elizabeth Williams, 315th TRS student, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 10, 2022. Williams worked hard for her award and has shown her dedication to her squadron and the training she received at Goodfellow.

OAY recipient Senior Airman Noah IrwinSenior Airman Noah Irwin, assigned to the 32nd Aerial Port Squadron, receives an award for Outstanding Airman of the Year from Col. Bryan M. Bailey, commander of the 911th Airlift Wing and 911th AW Command Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Jendrzejewski, April 2, 2023 at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station. The OAY is recognized annually and awarded to Airmen for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievement.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stanley Budraitis, United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence deputy commander, participates in a customary gift exchange with Brigadier David Hafner, Deputy Commander, Army Aviation Command Australia, during a visit to Fort Rucker May 10, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Nickolas Vann was recognized for his promotion to Master Sergeant, June 10, 2022, during a ceremony at the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee. He is assigned as an instructor with the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center.

U. S. Army Col. Christian Neary, Mobilization Support Brigade commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Denise Demps, Mobilization Support Brigade command sergeant major, present 1st Lt. Lashawndra Conley the Army Commendation Medal for her service while assigned to the Mobilization Support Brigade at an awards ceremony at the Mission Training Complex at Fort Hood, Texas, November 15, 2022. The 642nd RSG held an End-of-Tour Awards Ceremony to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of their Soldiers and civilian staff during their time serving as the Mobilization Support Brigade at Fort Hood from December 2021 to December 2022.

Col. Shawn Nokes, the Director of Domestic Operations for the Illinois National Guard, presents Chief Warrant Officer (4) Peggy Bates husband, Glenn Bates, a Certificate of Appreciation for his support throughout her military career during her retirement ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Il Aug. 7. Peggy Bates, the Command Property Accounting Officer for Joint Force Headquarters, retired after 38 years of military service. She enlisted in the ILARNG in August of 1984 as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic with 3637th Maintenance Company in Springfield, IL. CW4 Bates spent the next 22 years as an enlisted Soldier serving in numerous positions to include Parts Clerk, Technical Inspector, Maintenance Control NCO, Operations NCO, and First Sergeant for 3637th Maintenance Company and the 65th Troop Command. She began her Warrant Officer career in 2006 as an Engineer Equipment Maintenance Warrant Officer for B 634th Brigade Support Battalion and converted to a

Let's give Senior Airman Monjanique Anderson from the 81st Dental Squadron a shout-out for being chosen as the Warrior of the Week during this week's staff meeting! She assisted in the coordination and participated in our annual Resident Graduation Ceremony. She led an eight member set-up and tear down-crew and escorted the official party, honoring six graduates in front of 90 attendees. In addition, Anderson was paired with a civilian provider where they treated 166 patients and completed 1,400 procedures, making them the highest producing team in five years. She was then selected to join the General Medical Education program as one of their residency technicians where in just one month her departments assistance helped slash our non-deployable rate by three percent. She also recruited seven volunteers for a recent Air Force Sergeants Association bowling event, which generated $1,500 in donations for the Special Olympics Association.

Maj. Gen. D. Scott Durham, Fourth Air Force commander, shakes hands and presents his challenge coin to Master Sgt. Angelique Hall, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander's inspection program noncommissioned officer in charge, at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Feb. 3, 2024. Durham spent the February unit training assembly with the 434th ARW touring the base. Air Force

Col. Bart L. Johnke, outgoing director, Army Capability Manager - Lift, stands for a photo after being presented the Legion of Merit by Col. Joshua P. Higgins, director, Capability Development and Integration Directorate, at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum July 15, 2022.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Erments Dimanche, a logistics officer with the 369th Sustainment Brigade, holds his Meritorious Service Medal Certificate with Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Bank, an Assistant Adjutant General of the Air National Guard, after receiving the Meritorious Service Medal during an awards ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2022. Dimanche received the award for exceptional meritorious service while in support of Joint Task Force New York that was vital to the success of the New York State COVID 19 mission. His leadership and actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Joint Task Force New York and the U.S. Army.

Senior Airman Cayl Garland, 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant crew chief, is recognized as the Airman of the Year for the 434th Air Refueling Wing during a ceremony at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., Feb. 4, 2024. Air Force

GREAT LAKES, Il. (January 18, 2024) Sailors stationed aboard Naval Station Great Lakes and its tenant commands are presented lone Sailor statues from the Navy League at a Sailor of the year ceremony at the National Museum of the American Sailor, Jan. 18, 2024. Since its founding in 1902, the Navy League has provided a voice for stronger sea services. The Navy League has grown to become the foremost citizens organization serving, supporting and standing with all U.S. sea services.

Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Illinois Military Academy's auditorium Sept. 17, to celebrate the career of Col. Daniel Reichen and wish him well in future endeavors. Reichen retired as the Commander of the 129th Regimental Training Institute and most recently served as the Illinois National Guard's Director of Human Resources.

Jaime Ambler, a civilian UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter standardization instructor pilot and instrument examiner for the 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment, receives the Honorable Order of St. Michael from Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commander, in recognition of his distinguished record of service to Army Aviation at Fort Rucker, Alabama, September 23, 2022. Ambler has a combined 50 years of service as a U.S. Army Soldier and Civilian.

Brig. Gen. Peter T. Green III, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Massachusetts Air National Guard, retired after 40 years of service in a ceremony held at the 104th Fighter WIng on Sept. 10, 2022. Brig. Gen. Green started his career as a security forces specialist at the 104FW and prior to moving to Massachusetts ANG Joint Force Headquarts was the 104FW Commander. Distinguished guests included Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Virginia Gaglio, Chief of Staff and Air Component Commander, Massachusetts ANG, Col. David 'Moon' Halasikun, 104FW Commander, Massachusetts Senator John Velis, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, and other 104FW leaders, members, family and friends. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Molly Murphy, a pediatric nurse at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hi., holds her Army Achievement Medal certificate alongside Col. Edgar G. Arroyo, Chief of Staff for MRC,P at the awards ceremony for Medical Readiness Command, Pacific's Fiscal Year 2023 Best Medic Competition, Oct. 28, 2022 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Eight top Soldiers from across MRC,P competed in ten events over three days including a 15-mile ruck march, water survival tests, marksmanship, combat casualty care, and more.

Tech. Sgt. Robert Wolford, 168th Maintenance Squadron, 168th Wing received the Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon upon returning home from assisting communities affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok in Nome, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2022. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Salvador Jalandoni, center, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, receives a certificate from U.S. Air Force Maj. Donald Bolda, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, left, during the 2022 Dedicated Crew Chief Appointment Ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Nov. 18, 2022. To receive the title of DCC, a crew chief must demonstrate a history of superior performance in their career, comply with all safety practices and complete all required training.

A change of command ceremony is held at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, June 4, 2022. Maj. Clinton Hensley relinquished command of the 121st Air Refueling Wing Communications Flight to Maj. Samuel Kenoyer.

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Brodeur, director of intelligence for the Joint Task Force-Space Defense and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dennis Wilson, communications directorate noncommissioned officer in charge and systems admin lead for the JTF-SD, cut a cake with a sword during the organizations celebration of the U.S. Air Forces 75th anniversary at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 15, 2022. Airmen, past and present, are indispensable teammates in the Joint Force. They provide America with the air and spacepower needed to defend the nation, deter or defeat adversaries, reassure partners and allies, and help diplomacy proceed from a position of strength. One team, one fight.

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Gorup, the Noncommissioned Officer-Charge of the Illinois National Guard's Joint Operations Center, retired with almost 26 years of service on Sunday, May 15, during a ceremony on Camp Lincoln in Springfield. Gorup spent 21 years of his career in the Infantry and deployed four times, the last being with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009. Pictured is Colonel Seth Hible, the Chief of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff, presenting an American Flag to Sgt. 1st Class Gorup during the ceremony.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

Let's give Staff Sgt. Seth Kersey from the 338th Training Squadron a shout-out for being chosen as the Warrior of the Week during this week's staff meeting! Kersey has recently been involved with the shaping of the newest iteration of the FAB-T course. His attention to detail has led to an increase in field requested learning topics for the DoDs sole $4 billion FAB-T NC3 network maintenance course. He field tested, modified, and implemented new lab procedures that will be used to instruct up to 132 joint service students yearly. In addition, as a FAB-T subject matter expert his efforts aided in solving a STRATCOM mission outage by guiding four technicians through a system reconfiguration, restoring a critical nuclear detection platform in under three hours. His coordination with the project management office has led to an increase of field feedback that has been rolled directly into the course curriculum and disseminated back to unit work centers across 10 combatant commands and four j

U.S. Army Col. Ronald Iammartino Jr, Commander, 2d Theater Signal Brigade, presents a Certificate of Achievement to U.S. Army Private 1st Class Logan Lentz during a short ceremony July 29, 2022 at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. Lentz was recognized for his contributions to making the 2d Theater Signal Brigade's Change of Command ceremony a success. (U.S. Army photos by Candy Knight)

Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, presents Chief Warrant Officer 5 Bernd Knox, deputy, Army air-launched effects, Army aviation capability development, and integration directorate, with his certificate of retirement during his retirement ceremony at Fort Rucker, Alabama, June 10, 2022. In 1994, Knox joined the U.S. Army as a Blackhawk repairman and was selected for warrant officer flight training in 1996.

U.S. Air Force Col. Colin McClaskey, 821st Contingency Response Group deputy commander, is awarded the Bronze Star Medal on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Nov. 1, 2022. The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone.

Retired Maj. Gen. William T. Crosby accepts the 2021 Army Aviation Medicine Award on behalf of Capt. Jeffrey W. Chen, 640th Aviation Support Battalion, during the Army Aviation Senior Leader Forum at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Jan. 25, 2023. Presenting the award is Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commander and Army aviation branch chief, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Myke Lewis, chief warrant officer of the branch, Command Sgt. Maj. James Wilson, branch command sergeant major, retired Maj. Gen. William T. Crosby, Army Aviation Association of America president, and an industry partner. The award is one of several Army Aviation Association of America National Functional Awards presented annually for a specific area or specialty within the Army Aviation community.

Col. Terry R. Tillis, right, commander of the "Spartan Brigade," 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, presents Col. Brian T. Looney, left, outgoing commander of the "Gila Battalion," 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, with the Noble Patron of Armor award before Looneys change of command ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 19, 2022. A Soldier must demonstrate outstanding leadership, tactical and tactical competence and exceptional teamwork while serving specifically in armor and cavalry units to receive the prestigious award.

ACCNJ SECARMY Award Winner Peter Gerhard

ACCNJ SECARMY Award Winner Peter Gerhard

Master Sgt. Paul W. Hiller receives the Bronze Star Medal Sept. 1, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Hiller planned and executed the recovery of multiple at-risk Afghan citizens and their families from three different airfield gates at great risk to his own safety. He was personally responsible for delivering more than 100 Afghans to asylum.

Tech. Sgt. Joshua Panther, 117th Intelligence Squadron, Alabama Air National Guard, is awarded the Army Achievement Medal by Brig. Gen. Michael R. Cleveland, Assistant Adjunct General, Mississippi National Guard at Camp Shelby, Mississippi Feb. 21, 2024. Panther received this award for his efforts during PATRIOT 24 exercise. PATRIOT is a Domestic Operations disaster-response training exercise conducted by National Guard units working with federal, state and local emergency management agencies and first responders. Air National Guard

U.S. Army paratrooper Capt. Christopher Donaghe, the physician assistant assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment, was designated as the U.S. Army Europe and Africa physician assistant of the year 2021 at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy on May 20, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Calvin Klein Magcalas, quality assurance inspector with the 36th Maintenance Group, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeremy Sloane, 36th Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brian Smith, 36th Operations Group superintendent, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 1, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens Mission, Vision and Priorities.

The 22nd Air Refueling Wing hosted its 3rd Quarter Award Ceremony at the Robert J. Dole Community Center Ballroom, Oct. 25, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The quarterly awards highlight Airmen, civilians and teams across the wing for the work they have done throughout the past quarter.

Chief Master Sgt. David Starr, 911th Civil Engineer Squadron senior enlisted leader, accepts the chief's bust from Chief Master Sgt. Scott Tkach, 911th Force Support Squadron services flight chief, at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, April 1, 2023. During a promotion ceremony, the Chiefs Council presents the promotee with a chiefs bust to commemorate the occasion and to show their support for the new member.

Lt. Col. Doran Metzgar, outgoing commander of the 86th Troop Command, receives an appreciation award from Maj. Mathew Hefner, May 15.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Dominic Schlau, former 125th Fighter Wing, Munitions Systems Chief Enlisted Manager, 125th Maintenance Squadron, holds his retirement ceremony, May 14, 2022 at Jacksonville IAP. Schlau retires after over 38 years of service and was the fIrst Munitions Systems Chief Enlisted Manager in the Florida Air National Guard.

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

Marianne Malizia, director of diversity and inclusion for the Air Force, presents the Air and Space Force Commendation Medal to Senior Master Sgt. David Smith during a Department of the Air Force Pride celebration at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., June 6, 2022. Guests spoke about the importance of diversity, inclusion and the contributions of LGBTQ service members in the military.

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Col. Lance Vann, right, takes command, July 11, 2022, during the Personal Property Activity, Headquarters change of command ceremony, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Linda Hurry (left), Director of Logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., was the presiding officer.

U.S. Air Force Col. Heather Uhl, 38th Cyberspace Engineering Installation Group commander, gives the meritorious service medal to Col. Whitney Walker, 85th Engineering Installation Squadron outgoing commander at the 85th EIS reassignment and change of command ceremony outside Maltby Hall on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 6, 2023. The 85th EIS was redesigned from the 38th CEIG to the 5th Combat Communications Group. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Dauer, 85th EIS incoming commander, took command from Walker.

Brig. Gen. Joane Mathews, Wisconsins deputy adjutant general for Army, and Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Patrouille, the Wisconsin Army National Guards senior enlisted leader, congratulate Spc. Caleb Ravn, a Soldier with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery, on being the runner-up Soldier of the Year at the Wisconsin National Guard State Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., April 10. Soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard competed for the opportunity to represent Wisconsin at the regional event May 11-15 at Camp Ripley, Minn. (112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Staff Sgt. Bridget Vian)

Chief Master Sgt. Gary Reny, officially retired during a ceremony on Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, Sep. 10, 2022. Reny celebrated his retirement after 35 years of honorable military service with many family members and friends.

Col. Scott Kindberg, U.S. Army Sustainment Command chief of staff, presented Julius Cortez, logistics management specialist at ASC, with a Highly Productive Achievement Award Sept. 22. Employees receive Hi-Pro awards by being nominated by their peers for going above and beyond their day-to-day duties.

U.S. Army Spc. Dianna Ramos, assigned to the 2-112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team is recognized by Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Oct. 23 for her fourth place finish in the Pennsylvania National Guards 2022 summer photo contest.

As of June 3, 2022, Master Sgt. Joshua Radford of the 378th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is awarded the position of senior non-commissioned officer in charge at a MSgt. Release Party, Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event was in celebration of the momentous accomplishment of the nine newly instated master sergeants making it into the Top 3 and taking on a whole new level of leadership responsibilities.

Chief Master Sgt. James S. Mclain, right, 301st Maintenance Squadron senior enlisted leader, receives the Certificate of Retirement from Col. John M. Nemecek, 301st Maintenance Group commander, during Mclainss retirement ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, June 4, 2022. Mclain honorably served for 27 years.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital conducted a change of Responsibility ceremony where Command Sgt. Maj. Marlon E. Faulds relinquished responsibility of his position to Master Sgt. Johnny D. Thompson, December 9, 2022, at Wilson Theater on Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (Aug. 26, 2022) - Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, F-35 Joint Program Executive Officer, poses with members of the F-35 Hardware Team after presenting them with the Team of the Quarter award during a semi-virtual all-hands ceremony at the program headquarters in Crystal City, VA., Aug. 26, 2022. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built. (Photo by America Henry-Wingo/Released)

Team Charleston welcomes its newest honorary commanders at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Nov. 4, 2022. The purpose of the Honorary Commander program is to establish and maintain relationships with local civic leaders in order to increase public awareness of the Air Force missions and programs.

On December 2, 2022, CSM Jay A. High (Right) relinquished responsibility of his command in the Mercury Brigade. Before the ceremony, CSM High was awarded the Legion of Merit by Major General Joseph Dcosta (Left), Deputy Commanding General of Sustainment, Eighth Army. (Photo by Sgt. Alex Estrada/1st Signal Brigade Public Affairs Office)

Chief Master Sgt. Charles Clingman, Jr., retires from military service at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Sept. 10, 2022. Clingman first enlisted in 1983 and served in Philippines, Guam and Korea in addition to multiple locations in the United States during his career. During his time with the 117th Civil Engineering Squadron Clingman served as first sergeant in 2014 and was promoted to chief master sergeant in 2019. (US Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Jeremy Farson)

Join us in congratulating Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jesus Zeladallanos on receiving the order of Saint Christopher!Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jesus Zeladallanos, a mobility officer in the 1st Theater Sustainment Command was awarded the order of Saint Christopher used as a symbol of strength, loyalty and safety for transporters. Congratulations and keep up the great work! #FirstTeam

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brian Goggin, left, receives his appointment certificate from U.S. Army Lt. Col. Seth Allen, right, University of Connecticut ROTC professor of military science, during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. Goggin will be an infantry officer.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Paul Noel, an intelligence specialist for the 167th Operations Support Squadron, displays a coin from the Qatar Armed Forces at the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia, April 1, 2023. Noel was given the coin for providing training to the Qatari Military and Military Intelligence and Security Authority, in March 2023, in Doha, Qatar, as part of the National Guard Bureaus State Partnership Program. The West Virginia National Guard has been partnered with Qatar since 2018.

Col. Damon Delarosa, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Alaska District commander, presented Maj. Daniel Webb, project engineer, with the de Fleury Medal during a ceremony on June 16 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The medal honors of his significant contributions to the field of Army engineering during his tenure with the district.

U.S. Army Col. Jon Brierton, Army Support Activitiy, Fort Dix Commander and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Deputy Commander, presents award to Allyssa Berthelotte April 14, 2022 at Tommy B's Community Activities Center. Berthelotte was recognized as family member volunteer of the year.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Mark Lawson, 6 Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot, is awarded the distinguished flying cross with valor by Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Nov. 1, 2022. The distinguished flying cross with valor is one of the highest awards for extraordinary achievement and is awarded for heroism while participating in aerial flight.

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

Tripler Army Medical Center held a graduation ceremony for Clinical Nurses Transition Program at Kyser Auditorium. The Clinical Nurses Transition Program allows new nurses to gain experience as a surgical-medical nurse while working alongside experienced nurses to mentor the new nurses in hands-on procedures. Among the graduates were 2nd Lt. Mylah Joy Freeman, 2nd Lt. Sarah Krieger, 2nd Lt. Kimberley Mathes, 2nd Lt. Elijah Mott, 2nd Lt. Cameron Reed, 2nd Lt. Hannelore Tahmassebi, and 2nd Lt. Laura Selman. (U.S. Army Photos by Hugh Fleming)

U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, recognizes Airmen during his visit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2024. Schneider visited with Airmen across the installation to discuss the quality of life on station to learn more about the unique challenges Airmen and families face while being stationed in Alaska. Air Force

Four Nevada Air Guardsmen graduated from the Community College of the Air Force during the August drill, August 13, 2022. Col. David R. Chauvin, chief of staff, assigned to the Nevada Air National Guard presented each graduate their diploma at the Nevada Air National Guard base, Reno, Nevada.

(Left to right) Lt. Gen. Donnie Walker, deputy commanding generalof Army Materiel Command and senior commander of Redstone Arsenal; Gen.Charles Flynn, Army Pacific Command commanding general; and Gen. Ed Daly,AMC commanding general; during Flynn's visit July 22 to Redstone Arsenal. (Phot by Doug Brewster)

From left to right, Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan D. Dyon, command Sgt. Maj. of U.S. Army Garrison Italy, Col. Matthew J. Gomlak, commander of U.S.A.G. Italy, retired Brig. Gen. Umberto D’Andria, the former Italian Base commander and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Commanding General Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, present the Legion of Merit to retired Brig. Gen. Umberto D’Andria, during award presentation ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 27, 2022. Brig. Gen. Umberto D’Andria served as the Italian Base Commander for the United States Installations in Vicenza, Italy, from November 2015 to December 2020. During his five years as the base commander, his expertise and knowledge of working with national and local authorities aided United States military.

502nd Air Base Wing held an honorary commanders hail and farewell ceremony, March 31, 2023, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. This program promotes mission partner relationships between Joint Base San Antonio and the 502nd Air Base Wing and community leaders throughout the city of San Antonio and surrounding areas.

The 104th Fighter Wing holds a retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Patrick Renna Jan. 24, 2024, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Dozens of Renna's peers, family members, and friends attended the ceremony to thank him for his leadership and congratulate him on his accomplishment.

Maj. Gen. Shingo Nashinoki, Commanding General, Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kyle Ellison, Deputy Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force, display Ellisons Japanese Defense Cooperation Award on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 8, 2022. The Defense Cooperation Award is the highest award a non-Japanese service member can receive from the JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Natalie Greenwood)

Chief Master Sgt. Wesley Hudnall is promoted to Chief July 28, 2022, during a ceremony at the Yukon Club, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Chief Hudanall leads the Alaska Air National Guard, 168th Operations Group.

United States Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey Command Sgt. Maj. Wayne Butterbrodt, 1-17th Infantry Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Weiss, 31 soldiers and KATUSAs participate in the Noncommissioned Officers Corps Induction Ceremony held at the Camp Casey Theatre, March 30, 2023. The inductees were soldiers and KATUSAs from USAG Caseys Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the Charlie Detachment of the 176th Financial Management Support Unit, and the 2nd Battalion2nd Aviation Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. The NCO Induction Ceremony celebrates newly promoted soldiers joining the noncommissioned officer corps.

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